I have a applicant who is offering to pay one year up front in cash for rent. She is getting a divorce and she doesn't have a job. Her roommate to be is getting a divorce as well and doesn't meet the income requirement (shy by $600). She has been on her job for over 20 yrs and her credit score is over 700. They only want to sign a 18 month lease.

Then I have a couple who want to rent for at lease 3 years maybe more. The boyfriend works two jobs. His 2nd job take him a little over the income requirement. He is recently divorced so his credit is in the low $600s and his girlfriend works as well.

I'd lean toward the second couple, but I use a score sheet that would help me see the stronger applicant. Not having an high enough (or any) income source is a big negative, although she may end up get alimony to bridge the gap. Paying up front makes me nervous too, is there any chance this is a story and they are really drug dealers etc? They are likely offering because they can't find a place to live. The second applicant feels like less of a risk and a possible longer term tenant. If their three jobs have been held for a year or more I would probably go with them.

@Georgee Gilbert , I would see what the past landlords said about them and their references. If you are undecided based on income maybe that will help. It is hard to give advice without meeting either of them. Either way it is nice to have choices. Good luck.

@Georgee Gilbert, I would see what the past landlords said about them and their references. If you are undecided based on income maybe that will help. It is hard to give advice without meeting either of them. Either way it is nice to have choices. Good luck.

Yes, that's the plan for the couple but the two roommates are currently in homes they were/are buying with their spouses they are divorcing. So they don't have past landlords, just mortgages. Thanks Jerry!

@Georgee Gilbert , one more thing has occurred to me. It has been my experience that recently divorced women tend to be pretty needy on things in rentals. I do not mean to sound sexist, but most of the time it is the guys who tighten up the loose screw or fix the garbage disposal when it locks up. There might be more requests for maintenance issues like loose hinges or sticky door knobs. You might see if your impressions from talking to them help in this possible regard.

@Georgee Gilbert, one more thing has occurred to me. It has been my experience that recently divorced women tend to be pretty needy on things in rentals. I do not mean to sound sexist, but most of the time it is the guys who tighten up the loose screw or fix the garbage disposal when it locks up. There might be more requests for maintenance issues like loose hinges or sticky door knobs. You might see if your impressions from talking to them help in this possible regard.

Rotfl 😂! Yeap, I see it already just from talking to them. They made some request that made me raise an eyebrow 🙄 I think you called it.

I'd lean toward the second couple, but I use a score sheet that would help me see the stronger applicant. Not having an high enough (or any) income source is a big negative, although she may end up get alimony to bridge the gap. Paying up front makes me nervous too, is there any chance this is a story and they are really drug dealers etc? They are likely offering because they can't find a place to live. The second applicant feels like less of a risk and a possible longer term tenant. If their three jobs have been held for a year or more I would probably go with them.

Yeah, I'm leaning towards the 2nd couple. Sometimes about the 1st one makes me nervous. We will see. Thanks.

In CT we can’t collect anything in advance other than first months rent and security- it’s illegal to collect a year of rent upfront. I don’t know how it is in your state but you might want to check it out.

In CT we can’t collect anything in advance other than first months rent and security- it’s illegal to collect a year of rent upfront. I don’t know how it is in your state but you might want to check it out.